"The town may not be pretty" the opening line of this review is a little offensive to those of us who happen to dwell here, its a ex-mining town, what did you expect? The local pubs, may seem a little intimidating at first, but are as with the majority of the locals, friendly and welcoming, give us and the area a chance at least - you may be surprised
United Kingdom
2) Cwmcarn
Cwmdown, the UK's number 1 mountain bike uplift service! Based in the village of Cwmcarn, not far from Newport South Wales, they offer you some of the best mountain biking in Wales.
Whether you want Downhill or Cross Country, its all here at Cwmcarn.
The town may not be pretty, the surrounding hills are a real hub for mountain bike riders, in addition, Cwmcarn is one of UK's few permanent uplift facilities: Cwmdown is a mountain bike uplift service based at Cwmcarn Forest Drive in South Wales - they provide riders with transportto the top of the Y Mynydd Mojo Downhill Course as well as to several points along the Twrch Cross Country Trail.
Using Top of the range minibuses and bespoke mountain bike trailers (trailers are built in such a way as not to damage your bike), you’ll be driven briskly and safely along the tarmac road known as “Forest Drive”.
Nearest airport: Manchester airport, Cardiff airport.
What does Cwmcarn have to offer?
| Cross Country |
Intermediate & Advanced |
| Downhill | Beginner, Intermediate & Advanced |
| Freeride | Beginner, Intermediate & Advanced |
| Cable Car |
- |
| Gondola | - |
| Chairlift | - |
| Connected to | - |
Cwmdown can transport up to 40 riders on a weekend. Cwmcarn Forest Drive runs through a pretty little valley tucked away above the terraced housing. Up here you will find excellent rails that cling to the contours of the valley or dive down steeply to the valley floor. The terrain is made up of steep sided valleys, while the soil is excellent; loamy and buff on the lesser known local trails and super hardpacked on the main routes - this really is a great place to ride when the weather is not so kind.
For cross-country riders the marked Twrch trail is very good (experience and fitness required!), but explore a little further afield and the riding is epic in every direction.
The Downhill track a Cwmcarn is super fast and with some big lines as well as the availability of smaller, easier jumps - everything is rollable. It is probably not suited to total beginners, but anyone with previous downhill experience will get plenty of thrills out of this course.
View video footage of Gee Atherton and Dan Stanbridge at Cwmarn
Cwmcarn has a small Freeride area with some drops, tabletops and a superb curved wall ride.
For complete novices and young children can make use of the Brecon Monmouth Canal, which is perfect for gentle rides.
| Trails Open |
All year round |
| Lift Opening Times | AM & PM (always check) |
| UpLift Prices | £22 - £25 per day |
The trails are open 365 days a year, day and night. The only closures are due to forest operations. All trails are free, with uplift prices being £22 - £25 per day.
Directory: Cwmcarn Forest Drive: T+44 (0)1633 850864
Website: cwmdown.co.uk